Weather Update: Hot and Humid Conditions Return

By Aaron Wilson

Summary

July was an interesting weather month for the Ohio Valley. According to NOAA, Ohio experienced its 15^th wettest July on record (1895-present). Even more interesting, daytime highs for July 2021 rank as the 33^rd coolest, yet overnight lows rank as the 27^th warmest, the 7^th largest spread on record. Indeed, this was the result of numerous cloudy/rainy days that kept daytime temperature in check, not to mention, the occasional influx of wildfire smoke from active fires in the western states.

Since the start of the month, widespread rainfall has been limited across Ohio. Figure 1 shows precipitation over the last 7 days through 8am August 9, 2021. A few rounds of showers and storms managed to drop 0.50-2” across West Central, North Central, and parts of northeast Ohio. Additional areas picked up rainfall on Monday as well as another small disturbance moved through the state. Fortunately, during this drier stretch temperatures have been mild, running 1-3°F below average through the first 8 days of the month.

Figure 1). Multi-sensor precipitation estimates for the last 7-days ending 8 a.m. August 9, 2021. Courtesy of the Midwest Regional Climate Center.

Forecast

Hot and humid conditions are taking over this week. The sultry air will provide the opportunity for scattered showers and storms each day through Friday. Highs will range from the mid-80s to the mid-90s, with overnight lows in the upper 60s to low 70s through Friday. The weekend is looking drier and a little more comfortable, with highs in the low to mid 80s.

The Climate Prediction Center’s 6–10-day outlook for the period of August 15 – 19 and the16-Day Rainfall Outlook from NOAA/NWS/Ohio River Forecast Center indicate near to above average temperatures and below average precipitation (Figure 2). Climate averages for this period include a high temperature range of 82-86°F, a low temperature range of 60-65°F, and average rainfall of 0.70-0.90 inches.

Figure 2) Climate Prediction Center 6-10 Day Outlook valid for August 9, 2021, for left) temperatures and right) precipitation. Colors represent the probability of below, normal, or above normal conditions.